Dairy loss impact 'considerable'

The plans in Kirkcudbright are likely to feature at a dairy summit meeting

First Minister Alex Salmond has warned of the "considerable" economic impact of proposals to close a Scottish dairy with the loss of 121 jobs.

Milk Link intends to shut its plant in Kirkcudbright by January and move production to a factory in Devon.

South of Scotland SNP MSP Alasdair Morgan raised his concerns about the proposals in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Salmond said everything would be done to see if the total number of job losses could be reduced.

Milk Link confirmed its move to shut the Dumfries and Galloway site on Wednesday as part of a "refocusing" of its business.

It has entered into consultation over a two-phase closure with 60 jobs due to go by November and the remainder in January 2010.

Wider impact

Mr Morgan told MSPs it would have a tremendous impact on the region.

"In terms of the Galloway economy, 121 jobs is hugely significant and these jobs will be very difficult to replace," he said.

Mr Salmond confirmed that the rural affairs secretary had been in contact with Milk Link about the situation.

He said: "Richard Lochhead has already spoken with the company and further discussions will take place on what support can be given to mitigate proposed job losses."

However, he added: "The wider impact on the economy will be considerable."

Mr Salmond said the subject of Milk Link would also feature at a dairy summit to be held in Holyrood later this month.

"I am in no doubt the Kirkcudbright situation will feature strongly in these discussions," he said.

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